June is a special month for Alzheimer’s prevention; it’s the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraising event, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. June is a month denoted as a special time to support the cause of finding the cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There are many ways to help with the cause; for example, last year college students at Anoka Technical College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant’s program helped to raise over $1,000 in donations.
What is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s?
Every year, over 600 communities across the U.S. get involved in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s to help raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. The donations go to help support Alzheimer’s care and research endeavors. When volunteers walk in the yearly event, not only does it help to raise funds, the walk also helps increase Alzheimer’s awareness in the community.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides free tools and staff support to help volunteers reach their fundraising goals. To find a walk near you, CLICK HERE. “Once you register, you will have access to a wide range of tools and support through your customized Participant Center,” says the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Anoka Technical College Students Walk for the Cause
The students at Anoka Technical College asked family and friends for sponsorship/donations before embarking on the walk. Many of the donors gave in honor of their loved ones who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Those students at Anoka Technical College who couldn’t walk during the event, donated money instead.
“More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and another 11 million Americans act as caregivers for a loved one with the disease,” said faculty member, Bobbie Miller. “This is a condition that our students will definitely become involved with. We’re proud of the difference our students are making. This fundraising project demonstrates their commitment to improving the health and well-being in our communities.”
The Occupational Therapy Program
At Anoka college, in Anoka, Minnesota, the Occupational Therapy Assistant program involves a 2-year associate degree in applied science. The course work is comprised of general education courses, occupational therapy courses, and skill building classes. In addition, on the job clinical experience is required.
The students do their clinical rotation in the hospital or at an outpatient setting, where they interact with people in their community. When they graduate, occupational therapy assistants work with registered occupational therapists, to provide hands on services. Examples of those who may require occupational therapy include kids with cerebral palsy, adults who have suffered a stroke and need to re-learn basic skills (such as getting dressed) as well as children with learning disabilities or Down Syndrome.
When the students graduate they will work with people in their community, at home, school, in nursing homes and community centers, or in the workplace. Students may work with stroke victims, people with mental health problems, or even with those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This makes the students amenable to getting involved with community fundraising endeavors, such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. For more information on how your class can get involved with raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s CLICK HERE.
